Who is the funniest character on the tv show Friends?

Friends was a really enjoyable television comedy that ran from 1998 - 2004. It is one of many shows that I have enjoyed watching in syndication. Sometimes, I catch episodes of the show on YouTube.

Many times, when I look at a Friends clip via YouTube, I see a debate posted in the comments sections. People are asking each other: Who do you think is the funniest character from Friends. How would you rank the characters from most funny to least funny?

It is interesting to see the varied opinions that people have and I think it all depends on you personal sense of humor and the kind of things that you would find to be funny.

Below is my own ranking of the characters from most funny to least funny. Let me know if you agree or disagree! How would you rank the characters?

I write this of course assuming that you are familiar with the show. It has been so popular, shown in various countries and said to have been translated from English into over 20 other languages including Spanish, French and Japanese.

1. Ross

My #1 character for funny on Friends is Ross Gellar. He is appealingly awkward and jokey.

2. Monica

Ross' sister Monica is also really funny with her neurotic ways and dry wit.

3. Joey

Joey is traditionally funny as his ignorance is embellished. He is just the silly guy.

4. Chandler

Per the YouTube comments, Chandler is incredibly popular and often listed by individuals as the funniest character on the show Friends. In my own ranking, he is 4th funniest after Ross, Monica and Joey.

He imparts sarcasm and dry humor. He does not laugh at his own jokes. He leaves that for other people to do as it should be.

5. Rachel

Rachel has been given many funny moments on the show. She also often feeds off the funny of other characters perhaps with her expressions or reactions to what they say.

6. Phoebe

Yes, I know that of all the characters, Phoebe was probably most made to be funny but I prefer the subtleties in the jokes and Phoebe is always so blatant and out there.

I think my favorite funny moments of Phoebe's involve the songs that she sings whether on the mic in the Central Perk cafe or when practicing her songs in the apartment. Notable lyrics from her songs include: "We have lost power and the milk is getting sour....." and "Smelly cat, smelly cat, what are they feeding you. Smelly cat, smelly cat, it's not your fault."

Every character is perfectly cast on each actor. My favorite episode is when Joey had to learn french for an audition. It was "pee pee down your leg" funny! However, my overall favorite character is Rachel. Jennifer Aniston's character had to cross over so many emotions and she did it wonderfully. I still watch the reruns when I need a good giggle!

Alecia Murphy

5 years agofrom Wilmington, North Carolina

Ross is so ridiculously self-absorbed and pretentious that sometimes I think they made his character to make fun of those with advanced degrees. But sometimes he's just plain cray.

And Chandler is the awkward guy you know who happens to crack a good joke from time to time.

But overall the whole cast played so well off of one another it's hard to say that there were standouts.

Linda Bilyeu

5 years agofrom Orlando, FL

What a great question! My funny favorites are in this order...Joey, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Ross and then Phoebe.

AudraLeigh

5 years ago

I lied Friends a lot! You are right about Ross being jokey and Phoebie being blunt! Ha ha! I have to say my two favorite episodes are:

1. The one where Ross is trying to move that big white couch up the stairs because he did not want to pay for delivery.

2. The one where they all play the board game to decide who gets the better apartment!

Hi akirchner, thanks for stopping by and posting your comment! I appreciate it and definitely see your point of view.

Audrey Kirchner

8 years agofrom Washington

I had to come check out your hubs after you visited mine today! I think the whole show was just so darned successful because of how they all interacted. I couldn't pick a favorite or a 'funniest' because one without the other wouldn't have made it as funny maybe? Great subject though!

AUTHOR

Nyesha Pagnou MPH

8 years agofrom USA

hubpageswriter, 2patricias and ethel smith, thank you all so much for your nice comments and for sharing what you think.

Ethel Smith

8 years agofrom Kingston-Upon-Hull

I like them all but for me the funniest is Joey. Love that guy

2patricias

8 years agofrom Sussex by the Sea

When I first started watching it the Phoebe character just plain annoyed me. As time went by she grew on my, and now is my favourite.

hubpageswriter

8 years ago

I really like the combo of Phoebe and Joey. Always manage to crack me up each time. This is a great hub, and brings back some great memories for sure to Friends sitcom fans.

AUTHOR

Nyesha Pagnou MPH

8 years agofrom USA

I remember that episode. That was really funny! Thanks for the reminder.

Pauladance.co.uk

8 years agofrom Bournemouth Dorset U.K.

Hallo again. Perhaps the funniest moment (dialog) for me was when Joey went into hospital with a 'Stone' (Waterworks Condition - very painful) Lying in bed, he asked Ross what would happen; Ross said, they will try to get you to pass it 'down' in the normal manner. Joey said, but if that doesn't work...? Ross leaned over and whispered in his ear for a few moments. Joey shot up in bed, horrified, and said '...tell them...tell them...... UP IS NOT AN OPTION!'

AUTHOR

Nyesha Pagnou MPH

8 years agofrom USA

Hi KoffeeKlatch Gals, thanks for commenting and sharing what you think.

Susan Hazelton

8 years agofrom Sunny Florida

I loved all of the characters on Friends. However, my all time favorite is Phoebe. It is so very hard to pick a favorite but Phoebe had a naive goofiness that I found too funny.

AUTHOR

Nyesha Pagnou MPH

8 years agofrom USA

Hehe, you just noticed. Why yes, yes I am, at least my avatar is.

Pauladance.co.uk

8 years agofrom Bournemouth Dorset U.K.

I'm back because I have just noticed something weird.....apparently you are a Teddy Bear! Please confirm!

AUTHOR

Nyesha Pagnou MPH

8 years agofrom USA

Hello, hello, Mike, MPG, thanks so much for your comments. Hello, hello, I hope you'll get a chance to see the reruns sometimes. The show was really funny!

Marie Giunta

8 years agofrom Sydney, Australia

Joey was my fave, he was sooooo stupid but very cute. They were all good and whenever I did get time to catch the show it was great. Thanks for the memories Journey.

Mike Lickteig

8 years agofrom Lawrence KS USA

It's funny how we can all like a good show for different reasons. I thought Phoebe brought a nice subtlety to her character. My choices are Phoebe, Ross, Rachel, Monica, Joey and Chandler. They all had great moments, however, which was why the show was so popular.

Mike

Hello, hello,

8 years agofrom London, UK

Sorry, I never watched it.

AUTHOR

Nyesha Pagnou MPH

8 years agofrom USA

Hi Pauladance.co.uk, thanks so much for posting a comment. You clearly have your favorite moments too. I will have to check out that episode with Chandler's girlfriend to refresh my memory. Thanks for sharing.

Pauladance.co.uk

8 years agofrom Bournemouth Dorset U.K.

My most precious comedy moments were with Chandler and his girlfriend with the awful laugh. Suffering from hyperventilation, she had a paper bag over her mouth to breathe through, and every - extremely earnest - word she spoke caused the bag to go in and out. I think Chandler himself had the greatest difficulty in maintaining his seriousness. Also the physical ability of ROSS to 'eel' out of tight corners when forced to hide under beds, behind sofas, etc. Marvellous moments!

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